This instrument consists of a small, round mirror, attached by a metal clip to a white, cylindrical glass pen-like component that has a metal threaded short cylinder at the end; the mirror is tilted downwards at approximately a 10° angle; it is encased in a yellowish metal circular frame; a thin ar…
This instrument consists of a small, round mirror, attached by a metal clip to a white, cylindrical glass pen-like component that has a metal threaded short cylinder at the end; the mirror is tilted downwards at approximately a 10° angle; it is encased in a yellowish metal circular frame; a thin arm extends from the back of the frame, curves slightly and leads to a metal clip; this square clip is attached to the white penlike component; it does not completely encircle the glass; the glass tube ends at a brownish metal cylinder; the outside of the cylinder has metal threading, possibly to attach another piece that is now missing; a round, black metal conical bump rises from the top of this cylinder--it was possibly a connector for a small battery; on the opposite end of the white glass pen, facing the mirror, a round glass window can be seen.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Originally owned by Dr. Publow, who practised in Prince Edward County between 1850 and 1900. Given to Dr. M. Williams, head of Otolaryngology at Queen's University.
"CAMERON'S DENTALAMP", "PAT. 12-15-16" and "CHICAGO . U.S.A." appear to be hand-etched into the glass pen; "HOLYOKE" is stamped into the back of the metal arm; what appears to be the profile of a the head of a native American wearing a headdress, with the letter "3" directly below, is etched or stamped into the metal at the back of the mirror (see accession sheet for sketch).
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E3-3
Dimension Notes
Length 15.2 cm x Width 2.0 cm x Depth 1.8 cm
Condition Remarks
Some corrosion is evident on the metal clip where the plating has flaked away, and on the threaded metal cylinder on the other end of the glass pen.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
JPG
Reference Comments
Dr. M. Williams; "Illustrations of Instruments of Superior Quality," The Kny-Scheerer Co., 1915, p. 3310 (item #C/-15926-28) (see attached photocopy); CD #2
Research Facts
Identified by Dr. M. Williams as an "illuminated laryngeal mirror"; the item identified in the catalogue is similar in shape and function, but has no light battery component and no clip holding the mirror to the pen.
Exhibit History
On display at Hotel Dieu Hospital circa 1983-1993; the item was mounted on an acidic board with copper-covered wires to secure it.